Planning, zoning panel hears public comments

On Aug 18 a public hearing was conducted by the county planning and zoning panel concerning the Scofield master plan for development. While the verbal section of the hearing is over, the panel is still accepting written comments until 5 p.m. on Aug. 25.

Concerns were raised by members of the panel, as well as the general public in attendance. A variety of opinions were heard, with most in support of the project, pending certain changes to the plan that would make it more attractive and feasible. One of the changes that was brought up by panel member Mike Milovich included his belief that lot sizes should be increased from one acre to around two and a half acres.

"I'm more comfortable with the bigger lots sizes because of water issues," said Milovich. "And if we decide to allow modular unites, they should be (at least) double wides."

Aside from lots sizes the panel brought up the issue of more clarification concerning community growth. Most of the year, the area is relatively quiet, in that it does not see much use. However, for about five months of the year the area becomes very busy and could be difficult to provide police and fire protection to with a changing situation. Although these issues were brought up, a clear solution is likley to take some time.

First up for public comment was Robert Miller, who was very much opposed to opening up the area for development because he believes it will only be creating a "play ground," for wealthy people out of Salt Lake.

"It's just a plan to get people from Salt Lake to buy cabins and there's going to be more playboys on that lake contaminating our water," said Miller.

Next up was Bob Hammond from Orange County Calif., who owns around 1,200 acres in the area and intends to retire there. His concerns were mostly about some of the project's mapping.

"You should allow the property owner to do an engineering study of the grades because there are places up there that could be used, but cannot because they have a 30 percent grade," said Hammond who also was surprised to find some roads listed that are in fact old trails and not fit to be classified as roads.

Dave Levanger director of planning and zoning addressed Hammond's concerns and agreed that some of the mapping is not very accurate because it was done by aerial photograph and needs some adjustments. As far as private engineering studies, Levanger also agreed because the current studies have been done on more general basis.

Other concerns were raised about ATV trails, and Milovich informed the public that a $2.5 million trail system is in development, with some parts already accessible.

Burke Priest who is developing the Pleasant Valley plan was concerned about state and federal regulations changing, but the panel informed him that there really is nothing that can be done but to hope for cooperation from the agencies involved.

He also was aware, but unclear, as to some new state developments in the area and was told that the state is doing some small developments mostly for employees.

The next public hearing and draft review will be Sept 16, with the final adoption set for Oct 7.